Do Not Stop Taking Blood Pressure Meds

If you were born, raised, or live in South Carolina or if you are of African American decent, chances are you will have hypertension at some point in your life. Things are improving, but high blood pressure is still a problem.

One day I became concerned when I heard a lady on one of the local black radio stations say that she was looking forward to not taking her blood pressure medicine after she lost a few pounds. Well, weight loss is certainly desirable and we all should aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, but weight loss does not necessarily result in lowered blood pressure. The same is true for getting physically fit. Fitness improves blood pressure control, but it does not make hypertension go away.

So, please don’t make the mistake of stopping your medications on your own. Talk with your physician and let him or her guide you. We want you around here a lot longer and continuing to take your medications as directed may be the key.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell --- Closing the Gap in Health Disparities for African Americans.

Bell Update Volume 3, Chapter 11

Copyright March 2008

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